Quantcast This image displays sores and bloody crusts from scratching due to pediculosis capitis (head lice). This image displays nits of lice on hair. Tiny white head lice eggs (nits) can been seen, glued to the base of this child’s eyelashes.
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Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis):
A parent's guide for infants and babies

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Picture of Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis): This image displays sores and bloody crusts from scratching due to pediculosis capitis (head lice). Divider line
This image displays sores and bloody crusts from scratching due to pediculosis capitis (head lice).
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Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe
In order to make a diagnosis of head lice, the doctor must see a louse or a nit on the scalp. Occasionally, a Wood's lamp is used to look for lice and nits. In this procedure, the doctor shines a black light at the scalp, and the insects and eggs appear as fluorescent yellow-green spots under the light.

Once the diagnosis of head lice has been confirmed, the doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments in addition to the self-care measures outlined above:
  • Permethrin lotion or shampoo
  • Malathion lotion
  • Lindane lotion, cream, or shampoo (not used as much anymore due to potential toxicity)
  • Ivermectin pills
Last Modified: 11 Oct 2007

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